“But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’” – Matthew 14:26-27
Really following Jesus all day, every day can lead you into unfamiliar places and even frightening situations. Jesus often calls us out of the comfort and security we love to wrap ourselves in. He often asks us to do things we don’t yet know how to do and to have experiences we’ve never had before. In those situations, when things become stressful, confusing, and clearly out of our control, it can be difficult to recognize the presence of Jesus. That’s OK because Jesus is with you even when you’re struggling to see Him!
That’s one lesson (of several) the disciples learned one night on the Sea of Galilee. Rowing across the lake in the middle of a windy night, the disciples weren’t sure who or what they were seeing coming toward them on the water, but it was strange enough that they became afraid. Not curious, not cautious – terrified. Then Jesus spoke beautiful words of comfort and calm. He let them know He was there with them. Though He was doing something they’d never seen before, they had nothing to fear precisely because He was with them.
The same is true in our own lives when Jesus leads us into unfamiliar situations that challenge our courage and stretch our faith. Hear those words of Jesus and realize He also says them to you, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Take comfort and courage in the knowledge that on this side of the cross, Jesus is always with you. The wind may be blowing. What you see may not make sense. Nonetheless, Jesus is with you and you don’t need to be afraid because He’s the Son of God (the key lesson of that particular evening).